Speedway International explosion 'act of God,' lawyer says

The owner of a fuel plant that exploded in 2012 and sent fireballs into the Winnipeg sky has pleaded guilty to six charges.

Royce Rosteckihas agreed to pay $4,800 in fines for theOct. 1,2012,blast and fireat Speedway International Inc., even though his lawyer called it "an act of God."

Thesix City of Winnipeg bylaw and fire code charges to whichRosteckipleaded guiltyrelate to occupancy permit violations, not having proper fencing around the property, and the containment of biodiesel that was being stored on the property,where he was storing canola oil to make biodiesel.

In addition to the fines, Rostecki was ordered to pay $25,000in restitution to the City of Winnipeg.

City officials confirmed to CBC News that the total cost of staffing the massive fire was just over $31,000.

LawyerGordSteeves, a former citycouncillor who made an unsuccessful run formayor, admits that some things might"not have been done properly" with respect to the storage of flammable liquids.

Steeves saidRosteckidid not intentionally hide any flammable liquids from the city and thought he had all checks and balances in place with respect to the safety and proper storage of biodiesel.

Court also heard that the city conducted at least 50 inspections at the Speedway site over several years prior to the fire.

The plea and finewas a joint recommendation between the Crown and defence.

Rosteckididnot speak to media after entering his plea in provincial court Monday morning.

• Winnipeg fuel plant fire causes $15M damage
• Spontaneous combustion blamed for massive fuel plant fire

The explosionforced the evacuation of entire neighbourhoods andcaused $15 million in damage to the business,nearby rail cars, vehicles and tanker trucks.

Flames and thick black smoke could be seen for kilometresaround the plant,which manufactured racing fuel.It took fire crews several hours tobring the fire under control, and residents could not return to their homes until the following day.

A strong chemical smell was present in the area for days afterwardsand sooty debris could be seen on a number of buildings and streets.

• Winnipeg fuel plant concerns remain, 1 year after fire
• Stop work notice in place at Speedway International

Fire officials later determined the blaze was caused by the spontaneous combustion of an oily substance.

Stephen Baril, who works at a shopnear the Speedway site, says he believes Rostecki should have faced a steeper fine.

"Considering all the things involved with it, $4,800 does seem a little bit low," Baril said, adding that he's glad nobody was hurt in the incident.